AS REPORTED in last week's 'Post,' Bude's annual RNLI Lifeboat Day on Monday 30 August proved to be an eventful occasion.

Alongside the usual stalls and competitions, which raised a fabulous £21,000 for the charity that saves lives at sea, the volunteers celebrated an 85th birthday and a marriage proposal.

As crowds of spectators gathered on the Castle lawns to watch the firework display, ex-RNLI crewman, Simon Bishop, got down on one knee to propose to his girlfriend and cream tea lady Louise Bryant. Simon and Louise originally met on a previous lifeboat day and so it seemed a fitting occasion to ask for her hand. Delighted crewmembers, family and fundraisers offered their congratulations.

Meanwhile, Mary McMahon, President of the Guild and long-term RNLI fundraiser and Gold Badge holder, celebrated her 85th birthday and was presented with a bouquet of flowers by the Bude RNLI Branch Chairman, Paul Finn. Mary enjoyed the day with her two daughters, one of whom was running the Pasty Competition and Pasty Auction.

Other highlights included the Rotary International Duck Race, an exciting race against the stream of the river. There were a few early breaks, but the rest of the pack eventually caught them before the three winners came in with a late run past the post for an exhilarating finish.

Finally, the demonstration watched by hundreds of spectators from Summerleaze Beach and surrounding cliffs made dramatic viewing. It included the volunteer lifeboat crew from Bude, visiting volunteers from Padstow on their Tamar class lifeboat Spirit of Padstow, the RNLI lifeguards and RAF Chivenor.

Chris Cloke, Bude's RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said: "I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has given freely their time, expertise and equipment to the RNLI without which Lifeboat Day could not take place and provide such a family day for Bude."

Paul Finn, said: "It has been a wonderful day; we were blessed with brilliant sunshine, and the crowds were all friendly, happy and joined in the community spirit. As is traditional on lifeboat day many people born and bred in Bude came back from all over the world to see their families and friends and enjoy the day.

"Thousands of people stayed for the fireworks and everyone said it was the best display yet. The clear skies meant that the display could be seen from all the major vantage points around the town, a superb finish to a lovely day."